Two airlifted football players from American High released from hospital

The two American High football players that suffered head injuries Thursday night in a game against Braddock and were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital were released early this morning.

Cornerback Larry Hope, a University of Miami 2012 commitment, said he was given 10 to 12 stitches from just below his left eye to the back of his head after being gashed by another player's facemask while making a tackle without his helmet. Hope (5-11, 174) said teammate Roderick Carter, who was injured later in the game and airlifted to Jackson with neck pain, was released from the hospital before he was.

"We're both okay," Hope said. "They were giving me my stitches when he came in. They laid me and him right next to each other. We were already talking about how quickly want to get back out on the field. We're both mad we lost the game. I'm trying to put my helmet and shoulder pads on as quick as possible."

The Patriots were leading 14-0 in the second quarter when Hope was injured and carted off the field before being airlifted. Braddock came to win 40-21. The game was called with 8:08 remaining after Carter's injury.

Hope said he is supposed to attend the UM-Ohio State game Saturday along with many other local recruits, but he now may not end up going. He said it's likely he'll have to sit out a week before he can return to practice and game action.

"The doctors basically said I have to stay at home and wait for this to heal," Hope said. "My stitches should be coming out in like five days. Hopefully, they'll clear me after that."

Hope said he and Carter were visited by classmates and school officials after the game. "They've been showing me a lot of love -- especially on Facebook," Hope said. "It's nice to know your loved."